Thousands of birds found dead at Salton Sea – KABC-TV

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says ducks, gulls, and other birds were found dead at the south end of the lake between Jan. 8 and 17.

Tests show signs of the avian cholera.

Officials say outbreaks of avian cholera occur annually during the winter in California as a result of birds flocking close together during migration.

Wildlife officials say they collected more than 1,200 carcasses of birds, including ruddy ducks, northern shovelers, blacked-necked stilts and gulls. Most of the carcasses were incinerated to prevent the spread of disease, although some were shipped as samples for laboratory testing.